Josh Courage

Profession: Crossfit

Questionnaire

What does your standard training week involve? I train with a growing group of CrossFitters called The Outlaw Way, and do very intense sessions Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Most sessions are about 90 minutes, and I generally add my own mobility, low-intensity conditioning and active recovery work on a regular basis as well 

Where is your favorite place to train? Despite the time I put in the gym, I still enjoy training outdoors more than anything. I usually get upside to the woods about twice a week and do some trail running along with using nature for my workout equipment!

What is your favorite race? While I have done my fair share of marathons and shorter distance triathlon, my event is any CrossFit competition. Theses are 1 to 2 day, 3 to 8 workout competitions that are some of the most exciting sporting events I have ever been around.

What is your favorite 2XU garment? When do you use it and why? The Elite compression tights! I wear them during heavy conditioning workouts, always for recovery, and always for traveling as well. I keep a pair with me at all times!

What is your favorite training accessory? (heart rate monitor, power meter, pool buoy, etc...) I always travel with a jump rope and a set of gymnastics rings, I feel I could set up any great workout in any location with those, my own body, and anything else I might find surrounding me at the time. 

What has been the toughest experience in your career and what did you learn from it? I attempted to ride my bicycle, solo, across the country to raise money for charity. While I did not make it (wrecked and broke my thumb) I learned that the human body is capable of doing pretty much anything the mind can comprehend. It has lead me to become so much more adventurous in life. 

What is the most common training mistake you see? The most common mistake I see is not taking recovery seriously. In my field, your rest/recovery days are the ones where the most gains happen. Understanding how to fuel, replenish and regenerate the body is almost more important than knowing how to exercise.

What motivates you to train and race harder? I am constantly intrigued and motivated by what my body and mind can do. Every day I hope to challenge myself that much more, and this leads me to push harder for competition. I love being active and competing is the ultimate tester of all I attempt.

Describe your diet/ meal plan leading up to a big race? I generally don't change anything in prep for an event, except for cleaning things up a bit to make sure my body is running as perfectly as it can.

How do you balance your training and racing life with life outside the sport? The way I train is so closely connected to my actual life that it's pretty easy to balance. My work is training and inspiring people to get active, my sport is the Sport Of Fitness, and my life is constantly finish g fun ways to be active. I think I'm pretty lucky that they are all so connected.

What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful? I take whey protein and fish oil on a regular basis, that's about it. I fuel and recover with as much "real" food as possible!

What is the best thing about being a professional athlete? Being able to be surrounded by so many inspiring people who share the same passions as me is what I like the most, I get so much motivation from being around others who love fitness and health as much as me.

What is the worst thing about being a professional athlete? The pressure of needing to perform. This is a good thing and a bad thing actually. I over because it helps me have a sort of tangible measurement of my training, but I also have a very naturalistic view towards my training and do it because I love it. So, it depends on the day really.

In five years I will be..... Training, coaching, exploring. I hope to have stared a family that can share in all is this with me!